Trump Taps Linda McMahon to Lead Education Department

McMahon, who previously led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term, currently chairs the America First Policy Institute. The think tank has consistently advocated for aggressive school privatization and the reduction of federal education funding. Trump framed the appointment as a strategic move to return educational authority to individual states, framing McMahon’s background as a catalyst for expanding private school voucher programs nationwide.

The announcement drew immediate condemnation from the National Education Association, the nation’s largest teachers union. NEA president Becky Pringle labeled McMahon “grossly unqualified,” citing concerns over her leadership history and an ideological commitment to defunding public institutions. Pringle warned that the nomination represents a continuation of the policies championed by Betsy DeVos, potentially jeopardizing civil rights protections and special education services.

While the American Federation of Teachers adopted a more cautious tone, seeking engagement with the nominee, the selection has intensified scrutiny regarding potential conflicts of interest. Reports indicate that McMahon is currently named in a lawsuit alleging that WWE leadership failed to prevent the sexual abuse of minors by a company employee, a charge that adds significant weight to the impending confirmation battle in the Senate.